Energy distribution network

ABSTRACT

An energy distribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a user comprising; energy source means; hydrogen production means to receive the energy from the energy resource means; hydrogen fuel user means to receive hydrogen from the hydrogen production means; and data collection, storage, control and supply means linked to the energy resource means, the hydrogen production means, and the hydrogen fuel user means to determine, control and supply hydrogen from the hydrogen production means. Preferably, the network comprises one or more water electrolysers and provides for the distribution of hydrogen, for use as a fuel for vehicles, fuel cells, electrical and thermal generators, and the like.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an energy network for providinghydrogen generated at a production site, particularly by one or morewater electrolysers, for use particularly, as a fuel for vehicles orenergy storage. The invention further relates to the use of hydrogen asa fuel for a fuel cell wherein hydrogen is converted into electricalenergy, for combustion as an auxiliary energy source and for thegeneration of electricity, particularly, as part of an electricaldistribution system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] In planning the production capacity of a large chemical plant,for example, for methanol production or a large electricity productionsite, correct knowledge of expected demand of the product is criticalwith regard to the optimization of capital deployment and certainty of areturn on investment in the large facility. Most often millions ofdollars are required to finance the construction. Thus, measuring andpredicting the supply and demand for the end product is highlydesirable. Applying techniques to predict future demand on a real time,short, medium or long term basis, commercially, is extremely important,particularly for maximizing asset utilization, reducing inventory, andminimizing risk.

[0003] Currently, the widespread deployment of a network of hydrogensupply systems for hydrogen-fueled vehicles does not exist. At present,there is a widespread network of hydrocarbon-fueled vehicles completewith an optimized fuel supply infrastructure network based on the limitsof known technology, society's standards and consumer acceptance. Manybelieve to put a widespread, geographic network of hydrogen vehicleswith a network of hydrogen supply encompassing production, storage,transportation and delivery would involve such a large investment and beso challenging, that the task is believed essentially impossible to doin any economic method. Although, there are numerous examples ofhydrogen production from electricity close to where it can be used tofuel a vehicle, such individual sites are not interconnected so as tooptimize performance and asset deployment.

[0004] There are a number of shortcomings of the currenthydrocarbon-fueled vehicle distribution networks, which shortcomingsinclude a finite resource of the hydrocarbon fuel per se and an unevendistribution of the world's resources. In fact, much of the world'shydrocarbon resources are focused in just a few geographical areas, suchthat many nations do not have a substantive supply of indigenous fuel.This has led to global and regional conflict. In addition, there isuncertainty about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on health andclimate change. Furthermore, the very use of hydrocarbon fuels, or theprocessing for use of hydrocarbon fuels, leads to ground level pollutionof smog and ozone as well as regional environmental challenges, such asacid rain. Airborne pollutants, either directly or indirectly formed dueto the combustion or processing of hydrocarbon fuels, lead to reducedcrop output, potentially reduced lifespan and other health issues forall living beings.

[0005] A network of fuel supply systems which could provide as good, ifnot better, consumer service and reduce or eliminate fuel resourcedisparity, negative environmental aspects of hydrocarbon fuels and theircombustion or processing which can be introduced in a manner whichmitigates the investment risk, optimizes the capacity factor of allequipment in the system and encourages the use of non-carbon energysources is highly desirable. Hydrogen fuel, produced from energy sourceswhich are lower in carbon content than conventional coal and oil, orhydrogen fuel produced from coal and oil in which the carbon issequestered below the surface of the earth, would be an ideal fuel forthis network.

[0006] One aspect of the delivery of a product from a production site toa utilization site involves the use of storage. Storage of the product,sometimes a commodity, can efficiently allow for supply and demand tomeet in a manner which optimizes the utilization of production. Twoexamples of this is the supply of hydrogen produced

[0007] (a) from methanol on board a vehicle and used in a car, where onboard it is reformed into a hydrogen containing gas; and

[0008] (b) by electricity off-board a vehicle and used to fill acompressed gas storage tank either on the vehicle or on the ground forsubsequent transfer to the vehicle.

[0009] In latter case (b), the hydrogen is produced off-board thevehicle and is stored in a compressed gas tank, or similar container.The accumulation of hydrogen disconnects the production of electricityfor hydrogen production with the real-time demand for hydrogen. Thisload shifting effect on electricity production, enabled by storage ofhydrogen, enables better and more predictable utilization ofelectricity—particularly when the hydrogen demand is of some significantpercentage, say 1% to 100% with regard to the electricity beingproduced. This enables decisions to be made on a real time basis as towhere to direct the electricity, for example, to hydrogen production byelectrolysis or other uses. This is only part of the equation as itenables measurement of the supply of electricity, i.e. at times whereincremental production of electricity is available or advantageous andincludes many aspects of operating an electrical generator,transmission, and distribution system which creates improved assetutilization for hydrogen production in addition to meeting immediatereal time electrical demand. The second half of the equation is themeasurement of hydrogen demand in essentially real time. This involvesplanning for the production of hydrogen. When the hydrogen production isfrom electrolysis sources and the hydrogen is transferred to the storagetank on board the vehicle from a storage tank or directly from anelectrolyser base to meet the need demanded by the market place forhydrogen, measurement on a moment by moment basis is possible of thehydrogen demand. The demand can be understood by those familiar in theart by techniques such as temperature/pressure measurements as well aselectrical energy consumption. In addition, measurement of the amount ofhydrogen energy on board the vehicle can enable information to beprovided to the controller for hydrogen supply from electricityproduction and can be equated to stored energy/electrical resources.These measurements complete the equation for supply and demand withdetailed measurement. This enables the following:

[0010] (a) real time predictions of the amount of electricity requiredin the following time periods: instantaneous and, when combined withprevious data, the rate of growth of demand for electricity for hydrogenproduction;

[0011] (b) the deferred use of electricity for hydrogen production andthe supply of electricity to a demand of a higher priority (economic ortechnical);

[0012] (c) the safe curtailment of electricity supply for the use ofhydrogen production as sufficient storage exists in the ‘system network’of storage tanks; and

[0013] (d) the ability to develop ‘virtual’ storage reservoirs where bypriority/cost/manner of supply of electricity can be determined based onthe status of the storage reservoir.

[0014] A system which connects electricity production decision making tostored hydrogen, either on board a vehicle or on the ground to hydrogenmarkets enables better decision making with regard to when, where, andhow much electricity to provide. This information, available onessentially an instantaneous basis through measurement, is critical toasset deployment and increase asset utilization and risk mitigation. Itcan also be used to better schedule electrical generators. By acting asan “interruptible load” it can provide operating reserves for theelectrical utility to meet reliability requirements. By collecting thisinformation through appropriate means a novel and inventive measurementsystem is created which incorporate the features incorporating one ormore of a,b,c and d above.

[0015] It can, thus, be seen that the decisions concerning a chemicalplant for, say, methanol production which then is used for manyapplications including on-board or off-board reforming of methanol cannot provide instantaneous and daily information to influence productiondecisions.

[0016] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide anenergy distribution network incorporating hydrogen which provides foreffective deployment and utilization of electrical generation,transmission and distribution capacity and enhanced economic performanceof such assets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention in its general aspect embodies a network having:

[0018] (a) primary energy sources transmitted from their productionsources to a hydrogen production site;

[0019] (b) hydrogen production and delivery equipment with or withoutby-product sequestration equipment, with or without on-ground hydrogenstorage equipment; and

[0020] (c) collection, storage and supply controllers for thecommunication of data.

[0021] The term controller comprises central processing means andcomputing means for receiving, treating, forwarding and, optionally,storing data.

[0022] The practice of the invention involves use of algorithmicmanipulations within the controller(s) to utilize and determineinformation data relating to, inter alia, the amount of hydrogenrequired from an electrolyser(s) by the user(s), the time of delivery ofelectrical energy to the electrolyser, duration of period the energy isto be delivered to the electrolyser(s), the energy level to be sent tothe electrolyser(s), the hydrogen pressure of the user storage, realtime price of electricity and price forecast, rate of energy level orthe type of modulation of the energy resource(s) to the electrolyser(s);and the types of electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro,nuclear, solar and wind generated.

[0023] The algorithmic manipulations within the controller(s) furtherdetermine the control stages operative in the practice of the invention,such as, inter alia, the operation of the energy resources(s),electrolytic cell(s), compressor valves, user activation units, and thelike as hereafter described.

[0024] By combining the above elements together, a network that measuresreal-time and computed expected demand for hydrogen fuel and providesproduct hydrogen accordingly is realized. This network may be linkedwith standard projection models to predict future demand requirements bygeographic location. A preferred feature of this hydrogen network isthat it does not rely on the construction of large scale hydrogenproduction facilities of any kind. Instead, preferred hydrogenproduction facilities provided herein are as small astechnically/commercially feasible and include scaled-down apparatus tomeet the needs of a single consumer or a plurality of customers from asingle commercial, retail or industrial site.

[0025] Accordingly, in its broadest aspect, the invention provides anenergy distribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a usercomprising: hydrogen fuel production means; raw material supply means tosaid production means; hydrogen fuel user means; and information andsupply control means linked to said production means, said raw materialsupply means and user means.

[0026] The term ‘hydrogen fuel user means’ in this specification means arecipient for the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production means. Itincludes, for example, but is not limited thereto: hydrogen storagefacilities—which may be above or below ground, in a vehicle and othertransportation units; direct and indirect hydrogen consuming conversionapparatus and equipment, such as fuel cell, electrical and thermalgenerating apparatus; and conduits, compressors and like transmissionapparatus. The demand may also be initiated by the energy supply, whichmay need to “dump” power and thus offer an opportunity to producecheaper hydrogen.

[0027] The raw material(s) may include, for example, natural gas, aliquid hydrocarbon or, in the case of an electrolyser, electricalcurrent and water.

[0028] With reference to the practice of the invention relating tonatural gas, natural gas from a remote field, is put in a pipeline andtransported to a retail outlet or fuel supply location for a hydrogenfuel. At or near the retail outlet or fuel supply location, the naturalgas is steam/methane reformed with purification to produce hydrogen gas.The carbon dioxide by-product is vented or handled in another mannerthat leads to its sequestration. The hydrogen produced may be fed, forexample, into a vehicle's compressed hydrogen gas storage tank throughuse of compression. Alternatively, the compressor may divert the flow toa storage tank, nominally on the ground near the steam methanereformer/compressor system. The amount of hydrogen produced in a givenday is determined in many ways familiar in the art and includes naturalgas consumption, hydrogen production, storage pressure, rate of change,and the like. This information is electronically or otherwisetransferred to the operator of the network according to the invention.This information over time constitutes demand information for hydrogenfrom which supply requirements can be foreseen as well as future demandpredicted. As the demand for hydrogen grows, the network operator mayinstall a larger natural gas reformer or add more storage tanks to makebetter use of the existing generator when demand is low. The ability tomeasure and store hydrogen, enables better decisions to be made thanwith the current liquid hydrocarbon (gasoline) infrastructure. Themeasuring ability enables predictions for the raw material (natural gasin this case) to be determined. If the natural gas comes from apipeline, the supply/demand characteristics provides useful informationon how to better manage the pipeline of natural gas as well as plan forpurchases expansion, trunk extensions, maintenance, amortization ofcapital assets, and even discoveries of natural gas. The measuringability of the system also provides key information on predictions forvehicle demand as the growth rate of hydrogen demand for vehicle use maybe a significant leading indicator.

[0029] With reference to a network according to the invention based onthe current popular fuels, gasoline and diesel, produced from a networkof oil wells, and refineries, this fuel is shipped to a retail outlet orfuel supply location. As needed, the gasoline/diesel is reformed orpartially oxidized, or other chemical steps taken to produce hydrogen.After sufficient purification, the hydrogen is either stored directly onto the vehicle or at off-vehicle storage sites for latter on-vehicletransfer. The amount of hydrogen produced in a given day is determinedby those knowledgeable in the art based on gasoline/diesel consumption,hydrogen production, storage levels or pressures of gas storage, ratesof change, and the like. This information is electronically or otherwisetransferred to the operator of the network according to the invention.This information over time constitutes demand information for hydrogenfrom which supply requirements are foreseen as well as future demandpredicted. As the demand for hydrogen grows, the network operator mayinstall a larger gasoline/diesel reformer or add more storage tanks tomake better use of the existing generator when demand is low. Theability to measure and store hydrogen, enables better decisions to bemade with regard to deployment of assets, such as storage tanks and morehydrogen production equipment, than with the current liquid hydrocarbon(gasoline/diesel) infrastructure. The measuring ability enablespredictions for the raw material to be determined. This is particularlyimportant if the gasoline/diesel is specifically produced for lowpollution or zero emission vehicles in regards to octane, additives,detergents, sulphur content, and the like and there is a unique capitalstructure to the assets used to produce, transport and distribute thisspecial grade of gasoline/diesel. The measuring ability of the systemaccording to the invention also provides key information on predictionsfor vehicle demand as the growth rate of hydrogen demand for vehicle useis a very significant leading indicator.

[0030] With reference to a network according to the invention based on aliquid hydrocarbon, such as methanol, methanol produced from a networkof generating plants spread locally or globally, is shipped to a retailoutlet or fuel supply station location. As needed, the methanol isreformed, partially oxidized, or other chemical steps taken to producehydrogen. After sufficient purification, the hydrogen may be storeddirectly on to the vehicle or non-vehicle storage for later vehicletransfer. The amount of hydrogen produced in a given day could bedetermined as described hereinabove with reference to natural gas andgasoline.

[0031] However, a most preferred network is based on using electricityfor water electrolysis. Electricity travelling in a conductor, producedfrom a network of generating plants spread locally or globally, is fedto a residence, home and the like, a commercial or industrial retailoutlet or other fuel supply location. As needed, the electricity is usedin an electrolysis process that produces hydrogen and oxygen that is ofvalue. After sufficient purification and compression if required, thehydrogen may be stored directly on to a vehicle or fed to non-vehiclestorage.

[0032] Electricity can come from many different types of primaryenergies, each with their own characteristics and optimal ways and meansof production. Once electricity is produced, it is difficult to storeeffectively and must be transmitted through some form ofdistribution/transmission system. Such systems must respond to manydifferent circumstances of users, multiple users more so than from anatural gas pipeline, time of use variation, load density, primaryelectrical input source, status of primary electrical input source,weather conditions, unique aspects of dealing with the nature ofelectricity, versus a gas or a liquid.

[0033] An electrolysis unit, particularly an appropriately designedwater electrolysis system, has unique advantages in how it can beconnected to electricity supplies and does not have to operatecontinuously. An electrolyser can be made to start, stop or modulate inpartial load steps more readily than the typical methods to producehydrogen from hydrocarbons. This factor is a key element in thatelectricity may be dynamically “switched” from hydrogen production toother electrical loads based on a priority schedule. This featureenables an electrolyser to obtain lower cost electricity than higherpriority electrical loads. Further, since electrolysis is a veryscalable technology from 1<kW to over 100,000 kW, the same system,variant only in size, has the potential to be distributed, as needed.Thus, it can provide control activation for meeting changes inelectrical demand dynamically.

[0034] In the practice of the present invention in a preferredembodiment, the wires that deliver the electrical energy to theelectrolyser are used to communicate useful information about the stateof the electrolysis process to related devices. This eliminates the needfor an additional connection or a “telemetry device” to collectnecessary information in an electronic fashion.

[0035] Thus, a hydrogen fuel network incorporating electricity andelectrolysis offers useful opportunities with intermittent renewableenergy sources, e.g. photovoltaics and wind turbines, even though thesemay be located hundreds of miles away from a network ofelectrolysis-based hydrogen generators. The hydrogen generators can besequenced to produce hydrogen at a rate proportional to the availabilityof renewable energy sources. In addition, by measuring price signals,the electrolysers can be reduced or shut down if the market price forelectricity from a particular generation source is beyond a tolerancelevel for fuel supply. The electrolysis system can also be readily shutdown in the case of emergency within the electrical system. In view ofthe speed of data communications, control actions which can be taken inless than one second can be uses to dynamically control the grid as wellas replace spinning reserves to meet reliability requirements.

[0036] Only a natural gas distribution system is close to an electricitysystem in the concept of a continuous trickle supply of the energysource to the hydrogen generator. When gasoline or methanol arrives at ahydrogen production and fuel supply site, it is generally by largeshipment and the gasoline or methanol would be stored in a tank of some50,000 gallons size. The trickle charge is a critical feature of thehydrogen fuel network and is clearly preferred. The distributed storageof hydrogen—either on the vehicle which itself may be trickle charged orfor an on ground storage tank which can be trickle charged, accumulatesufficient hydrogen and then deliver that hydrogen to a car at a powerrate measured in GW. The ability to take a kW trickle charge and convertit to a GW rapid fuel power delivery system through effective storage isa key element in building an effective fuel supply service as a productof the network.

[0037] The ability to measure hydrogen supply and demand as well asestimate the total hydrogen stored in the network, including groundstorage or storage on board vehicles, provides a most useful benefit ofthe network of the invention. The integrated whole of the network isanalogous to a giant fuel gauge and, thus, predictions of the amount ofelectricity required to fuel the system and the rate of fueling requiredcan be made. This provides electricity power generators/marketersinformation from which they can help better predict supply and demandreal time. Uniquely, the location as to where the fuel is most neededcan also be determined on a near continuous basis.

[0038] In addition, distributed hydrogen storage, a consequence of thenetwork according to the invention, is similar to distributedelectricity storage or, if integrated together, a large hydroelectricstorage reservoir. The hydrogen storage reservoir, may optionally, beconverted back to electricity for the grid using an appropriateconversion device such as a fuel cell. Most objectives of energymanagement obtained with hydroelectric water reservoirs may be practicedwith hydrogen reservoirs. Given the distributed network of hydrogenreservoirs, the priority of practicing a particular energy managementtechnique can be performed. This prioritization capability is unique tothe network of the invention.

[0039] As a network incorporating distributed electrolysis-basedhydrogen supply systems with distributed reservoirs is developed, theplanning for the addition of new electricity generation systems can bemade based on information from the network. The uniqueness of knowingthe supply, demand and energy storage aspects of the network providesinformation about the optimal specification of new electrical generatingsystems. The creation of large scale energy storage capabilityencourages selection of electrical generators previously challenged bythe lack of energy storage. Such generators including wind turbines andphotovoltaic panels may be encouraged. This should optimize the abilityto implement these types of generators which may be mandated bygovernments as necessary to combat perceived environmental challenges.

[0040] The hydrogen network in the further preferred embodiments enablesmoney payments to be made for services provided in real time as forpreferred forms of energy sources based on environmental impact.

[0041] Thus, the network of energy sources of use in the practice of theinvention produces hydrogen through various techniques, such as steammethane reforming, partial oxidation or water electrolysis, at, or verynear, the intended user site so that no further processing beyondappropriate purification and pressurization for the specific storagetank/energy application. In the case where the hydrogen energy comesdirectly or indirectly from a carbon source which is deemed by societyto be too high in carbon content (CO₂ production) or where otherpollutants may exist, these are captured at source and sequestered tothe extent society deems necessary. In addition, a method to measure, orreasonably estimate the flow of hydrogen into storage (compressed gas,liquid H₂, hydrides, etc.) in or on the ground or an appropriate storagesystem on board a vehicle is helpful to obtain information which canlead to decisions as to when, where and how to produce fuel as well aswhen to deploy more assets in the process of producing fuel or on boarda vehicle measurements.

[0042] Thus, the invention in one most preferred embodiment provides ahydrogen fuel vehicle supply infrastructure which is based on aconnected network of hydrogen fuel electrolysers. The electrolysers andcontrol associated means on the network communicate current electricaldemand and receive from the electrical system operator/scheduler theamount of hydrogen fuel needed to be produced and related data such asthe time period for refueling. For example, based on the pressure of thestorage volume and the rate at which the pressure rises, the storagevolume needed to be filled can be calculated. The time period forfueling may also be communicated to the fuel scheduler, for example, bythe setting of a timer on the electrolyser appliance and/or the mode ofoperation, e.g. to be a quick or slow fuel fill. The electrical systemoperator/fuel delivery scheduler may preferably aggregate the electricalloads on the network and optimize the operation of the electrical systemby controlling the individual operation of fuel appliance, using‘scheduled’ hydrogen production as a form of virtual storage to manageand even control the electrical system; and employ power load levelingto improve transmission and generating utilization, and dynamic controlfor controlling line frequency.

[0043] It is, therefore, a most preferred object of the presentinvention to provide a real time hydrogen based network of multiplehydrogen fuel transfer sites based on either primary energy sourceswhich may or may not be connected in real time.

[0044] There is preferably a plurality of such electrolysers on theenergy network according to the invention and/or a plurality of usersper electrolysers on the system.

[0045] In a preferred aspect, the network of the invention comprises oneor more hydrogen replenishment systems for providing hydrogen to a user,said systems comprising

[0046] (i) an electrolytic cell for providing source hydrogen;

[0047] (ii) a compression means for providing outlet hydrogen at anoutlet pressure;

[0048] (iii) means for feeding said source hydrogen to said compressormeans;

[0049] (iv) means for feeding said outlet hydrogen to said user;

[0050] (v) control means for activating said cell to provide saidhydrogen source when said outlet pressure fall to a selected minimumvalue; and

[0051] (vi) user activation means for operably activating said controlmeans.

[0052] The aforesaid replenishment system may comprise wherein saidelectrolytic cell comprises said compression means whereby said outlethydrogen comprises source hydrogen and said step (iii) is constituted bysaid cell and, optionally, wherein a hydrogen fuel appliance apparatuscomprising the system as aforesaid wherein said means (iv) comprisesvehicle attachment means attachable to a vehicle to provide said outlethydrogen as fuel to said vehicle.

[0053] The invention in a further broad aspect provides a network ashereinbefore defined further comprising energy generation means linkedto the user means to provide energy from the stored hydrogen to theuser.

[0054] The energy generation means is preferably one for generatingelectricity from the stored hydrogen for use in relatively small localarea electricity distribution networks, e.g. residences, apartmentcomplexes, commercial and industrial buildings or sites, or for feedingthe auxiliary generated electrical power back into a wide areaelectricity distribution network, like national, state or provincialgrids, on demand, when conventional electricity power supply is providedat peak periods. The energy generation means using hydrogen as a sourceof fuel can utilize direct energy conversion devices such as fuel cellsto convert hydrogen directly to electricity, and can utilize indirectenergy conversion devices such as generators/steam turbine to produceelectricity, and can utilize the hydrogen directly as a combustible fuelas in residential heating/cooking etc.

[0055] Accordingly, in a further aspect, the invention provides anenergy distribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a usercomprising

[0056] (a) energy resource means;

[0057] (b) hydrogen production means to receive said energy from saidenergy resource means;

[0058] (c) hydrogen fuel user means to receive hydrogen from saidhydrogen production means; and

[0059] (d) data collection, storage, control and supply means linked tosaid energy resource means, said hydrogen production means and saidhydrogen fuel user means to determine, control and supply hydrogen fromsaid hydrogen production means;

[0060] wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises a plurality ofgeographic zones located within or associated with at least one buildingstructure selected from the group consisting of an office, plant,factory, warehouse, shopping mall, apartment, and linked, semi-linked ordetached residential dwelling wherein at least one of said geographiczones has zone data control and supply means linked to said datacollection, storage, control and supply means as hereinbefore defined tosaid geographic zones.

[0061] The invention further provides a network as hereinbefore definedwherein each of at least two of said geographic zones has zone datacontrol and supply means, and a building data control and supply meanslinked to (i) said data collection, storage, control and supply means,and (ii) each of at least two of said geographic zone data control andsupply means in an interconnected network, to determine, control andsupply hydrogen from said hydrogen production means to said geographiczones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] In order that the invention may be better understood, preferredembodiments will now be described by way of example, only, wherein

[0063]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment according tothe invention;

[0064]FIG. 1A, 1B and 1C represent block diagrams of the data flowinterrelationships between the users and controller network of use inalternative embodiments according to the invention;

[0065]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment accordingto the invention.

[0066]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the major features of a hydrogenfuel refurbishment system of use in the practice of a preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0067]FIG. 4 is a logic block diagram of a control and supply datacontroller of one embodiment according to the invention;

[0068]FIG. 5 is a logic block diagram of the control program of oneembodiment of the system according to the invention;

[0069]FIG. 6 is a logic block diagram of a cell block control loop ofthe control program of FIG. 5;

[0070]FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of theinvention representing interrelationships between embodiment of FIG. 1and a further defined user network; and wherein the same numerals denotelike parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ACCORDING TO THEINVENTION

[0071]FIG. 1 represents an embodiment providing a broad aspect of theinvention having a hydrogen production source 10, supplied by energysource 12 which may be an electricity generating power plant, or anatural gas, gasoline or methanol reforming plant or combinationsthereof A control unit 14 and users 16 are suitably linked by hardwareinput and output distribution conduits 18, 20, respectively, andelectrical data transmission lines 22.

[0072] Users 16 define demands for hydrogen transmitted by means of, forexample (i) use of a credit card, (ii) use of a smart card, (iii) use ofa voice activation system, (iv) manual activation via front panelcontrol, (v) use of a electronic, electric, or wireless infrared datatransmission system to register a hydrogen demand on the network. Uponreceipt of the demand, controller 14 determines the natures of thedemand with respect to the quantity of hydrogen requested, the time todeliver the hydrogen, the conditions under which to deliver the hydrogenwith respect to the temperature, pressure, purity and the like and therate of delivery of hydrogen requested. Such initial definition of thehydrogen demand may be performed by a single controller 14 asillustrated in this embodiment or by a plurality of controllers 14interconnected in a network, having a configuration in the form of, forexample, a backbone (FIG. 1A), hub/star (FIG. 1B), or ring (FIG. 1C) insuch a way as to permit intercommunication between all the users.

[0073] Upon receiving a demand, controller 14 determines theavailability of energy resources 12, to which it is interconnected, withrespect to the amount of energy available, the nature of the poweravailable, the time availability of the energy, the type of energysource available, the unit prices per increment of energy and comparesthis to the energy required to generate the hydrogen demanded by users16.

[0074] Upon receipt of the demand, controller 14 further determines thestatus of all hydrogen producing source(s) 10 on the network. Theinitial checks include the current status of the hydrogen source as a %use of rated capacity, rated capacity to produce hydrogen of a knownquantity, and the amount of energy consumption. The initial checksfurther include monitoring of the process parameters for starting thehydrogen producing source and process valve and electrical switchstatus.

[0075] After controller 14 determines the initial status of hydrogenproducing source 10, the hydrogen demand by users 16, and the nature andavailability of the energy sources 12 on the network, controller 14 theninitiates the starting sequence for hydrogen producing source(s) 10 tomeet the demands of users 16 subject to the availability of energyresource(s) 12 at the lowest possible cost. Controller 14 secures energyfrom source(s) 12 at a preferred cost to user 16 to permit hydrogen toflow through conduits 20. Energy is consumed by unit 10 in thegeneration of hydrogen which are supplied to users 16 along conduits 20.

[0076] Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational parametersnoted above or in the quality/purity of the product gases will result incontroller 14 to alter or interrupt the operation of hydrogen source 10until an appropriate status has been reached. Controller 14 also canmodulate on or off a plurality of hydrogen producing sources on thenetwork to meet the demands of users 16 so as to successfully completethe hydrogen demand of users 16 to provide the minimum quantity ofhydrogen at the minimum rate of delivery over the minimum amount of timeas specified at the minimum purity at the minimum cost to the user.

[0077] Upon receiving notification from users 16 that their requirementshave been successfully met, controller 14 instructs hydrogen producingsource 10 to cease operation and informs energy source(s) 12 of therevised change in electrical demand.

[0078] With reference also to FIG. 1A, which illustrates the data flowrelationship between a plurality of users 16 along conduit 22 linkinghydrogen production means 10 users 16 and to energy source 12 under thedirection of controller 14. FIG. 1A defines a “backbone” for thecommunication of data from controller 14 to each of said users 16.

[0079] Alternate embodiments of the interrelation between users 16 andcontroller 14 are shown as a star/hub in FIG. 1B and in FIG. 1C a ring,and combinations, thereof Backbones, star/hubs, and rings are alsopossible to complete a networking environment for the flow andinterchange of data as noted in FIG. 1 above.

[0080] With reference now to FIG. 2, in an analogous manner as hereindescribed with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, users 16 define ademand for hydrogen, provided by a plurality of individual electrolysers10 under the control of controller 14, from electrical energy source 22.

[0081]FIG. 2 thus shows generally as 200, an energy network according tothe invention having a plurality of hydrogen fuel generatingelectrolysers 10 connected to corresponding user facilities, above orbelow ground or vehicle storage 16. Electrical energy is provided tocell 10 by lead 18 on demand, individually or collectively from powergrid source 22 under the control of controller 14, and supplies hydrogenthrough conduits 20 to users 16. Control and supply controller 14receives information from cells 10 and user facilities 16, as the fuelrequirement and loading situation requires. Controller 14 furthereffects activation of the required electrical feed to cell 10 forhydrogen generation as required. The time of commencement, duration andelectric power levels to a cell are also controlled by centralcontroller 14. Information as to volume of hydrogen fuel container,hydrogen pressure therein and rate of pressure change on refurbishmentare measured in real-time. Controller 14 further comprises data storagemeans from which information may be taken and read or added. Iterationand algorithmic treatment of real time and stored data can be made andappropriate process control can be realized by acting on such data inreal time.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 2 in more detail, user 16 defines a demandfor hydrogen and may transmit the demand by (i) use of a credit card,(ii) use of a smart card, (iii) use of a voice activation system, (iv)manual activation via front panel control, (v) use of an electronic,electric, or wireless infrared data transmission system to register ahydrogen demand on the network.

[0083] Upon receipt of the demand, network controller 14 determines thenature of the demand with respect to the quantity of hydrogen requested,the time to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under which to deliverthe hydrogen with respect to temperature, pressure, purity and the like,and the rate of delivery of hydrogen requested. Such initial definitionof the hydrogen demand may be performed by a single controller 14 asillustrated in this embodiment or by a plurality of controllers 14interconnected, for example, in a “hub/star”, “backbone” or “ring”configuration in such a way as to permit intercommunication between allcontrollers 14.

[0084] Upon receipt of the demand, controller 14 determines theavailability of electrical energy resources 22 to which it isinterconnected with respect to the amount of energy available, thenature of the power available, in regard to current and voltage, thetime availability of the energy, the type of electrical energy sourceavailable, the unit price per increment of electrical energy andcompares this to the power required to generate the hydrogen demanded byusers 16.

[0085] Controller 14 further determines the status of all hydrogenproducing electrolyser source(s) 10 on the network. The initial checksinclude the current status of the hydrogen source, % use of ratedcapacity, rated capacity to produce hydrogen of a known quantity, for aknown amount of electrical consumption. The initial checks furtherinclude monitoring of the process parameters for startingelectrolyser(s) 10, and in particular, the temperature, pressure,anolyte and catholyte liquid levels, electrical bus continuity, KOHconcentration and process valve and electrical switch status.

[0086] After controller 14 determines the initial status ofelectrolyser(s) 10, the hydrogen demand by users 16 and the nature andavailability of the electrical sources on the network, controller 14then initiates the starting sequence for electrolyser(s) 10 to meet thedemands of users 16 subject to the availability of electrical energyresource(s) 22 at the lowest possible cost.

[0087] Controller 14 secures a quantity of electrical energy from theelectrical source(s) 22 at the most preferred cost to user 16 to permithydrogen to flow down conduits 20. Power is then applied to hydrogenproducing electrolyser appliances 10 and the aforesaid processparameters monitored and controlled in such a fashion as to permit safeoperation of hydrogen producing electrolyser appliances 10 for thegeneration of hydrogen supplied to users 16 along conduits 20. Oxygenmay be, optionally, provided to users 20 or other users (not shown) byconduits (not shown).

[0088] Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational parametersnoted above or in the quantity/purity of the product gases causescontroller 14 to alter or interrupt the operation of electrolyser 10until an appropriate status has been reached. Controller 14 also canmodulate one or a plurality of electrolysers on the network to meet thedemands of users 16 so as to successfully complete the hydrogen demandby providing the minimum quantity of hydrogen at the minimum rate ofdelivery over the minimum amount of time as specified at the minimumpurity at the minimum cost to user 16.

[0089] Upon receiving notification from users 16 that their requirementshave been successfully met, controller 14 instructs electrolyser(s) 10to cease operation and informs electrical energy source(s) 22 of therevised change in electrical demand.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 3, this shows a system according to theinvention shown generally as 300 having an electrolyser cell 10 whichproduces source hydrogen at a desired pressure P₁ fed through conduit 24to compressor 26. Compressor 24 feeds compressed outlet hydrogen throughconduit 28 to user 16 at pressure P₂, exemplified as a vehicle attachedby a fitting 30. Cell 10, compressor 26 and user 16 are linked to acontroller 14.

[0091] With reference also now to FIG. 4, a pair of hydrogen fueller andgenerator, with or without storage, slave controllers (HFGS) 40,receives data input from users 16. This input may include at least oneof user fuel needs, user fuel available, user storage facilitiesavailable, level of fuel available in any storage facility, availableinput power, type of input power, status and percent utilization ofinput power source. The HFGS controllers 40 verify the integrity of thedata and transmit this data along conduits 42 via modems 44 and, ifnecessary, with the aid of repeater 46 to a master network controller48. Data may also be transmitted in other embodiments, for example, viawireless transmission, via radio, infrared, satellite or optical meansfrom HFGS slave controller 40 to master network controller 48 and ontocontrol network hub 50.

[0092] In real time, or at some later time as desired by users 16, thestatus of the energy source 52 as to the type of power available, amountof power available, instantaneous and trend of power usage,instantaneous demand and predicted demand, nature and type of peak loaddemands and reserve capacity and percentage utilization of energy sourceassets can be transmitted in a similar fashion as described herein abovealong data conduit 54 to control network hub 50.

[0093] In real time, or at some later time as desired by users 16,control network hub 5Q analyses the status and needs of the users viamaster network controller 48 and the status of energy sources 52 andprovides an optimized algorithm to meet the needs of the users, whileproviding plant load shifting, plant operation scheduling, plantoutage/maintenance, all at a documented minimal acceptable cost to theuser. Energy sources 52 can access the status of the network andtransmit data along data conduit 56 by means as described above to anadministrative center 58 where data analysis of asset utilization,costing, and the like, can be performed and dynamically linked back tocontrol network hub 50, which manages both users 16 demand and sources52 supply in an optimized fashion. Security barrier 60 may be present atvarious locations in the network to ensure confidentiality andprivileged data exchange flow to respective users 16, sources 52 andadministrative centers 58 so as to maintain network security.

[0094] With reference to FIG. 5 this shows the logic control stepseffective in the operation of the system as a whole, and in FIG. 6 thespecific cell control loop, sub-unit wherein a logical block diagram ofthe control program of one embodiment of the system according to theinvention; wherein

[0095] P_(MS)—Compressor start pressure;

[0096] P_(L)—Compressor stop pressure;

[0097] P_(LL)—Inlet low pressure;

[0098] P_(MO)—Tank full pressure;

[0099]^(Δ)P0—Pressure switch dead band;

[0100] P_(MM)—Maximum allowable cell pressure; and

[0101] L_(L)—Minimum allowable cell liquid level.

[0102] In more detail, FIG. 5 shows the logic flow diagram of thecontrol program for the operation. Upon plant start-up, cell 10generates hydrogen gas at some output pressure, P_(HO). The magnitude ofsuch pressure, P_(HO), is used to modulate the operation of a startcompressor. If P_(HO) is less than some minimum pressure related to theliquid level in 10, P_(LL), a low pressure alarm is generated and aplant shutdown sequence is followed. If the output pressure, P_(HO), isgreater than P_(LL), then a further comparison is made. If the outputpressure, P_(HO), is greater than P_(MS), the minimum input pressure tothe start compressor, the latter begins a start sequence. If the outputpressure is less than some minimum value, P_(L), then start compressorremains at idle (stopped) until such time as the magnitude of P_(HO)exceeds P_(MS) to begin compressor operation.

[0103] Upon starting the compressor, the hydrogen gas is compressed inone or more stages to reach an output pressure, P_(C), from the exit ofthe compressor. If the output pressure, P_(C), exceeds a safetythreshold, P_(MO), then operation of the compressor is terminated. Ifthe output, P_(C), is less than some desired minimum, P_(MO)—ΔP, thecompressor runs to supply and discharge hydrogen.

[0104]FIG. 6 comprises a block diagram of the hydrogen fuelreplenishment apparatus shown generally as 600 used to supply hydrogenand/or oxygen gas at a minimum desired pressure. Apparatus 600 includesa rectifier 210 to convert an a.c. signal input to a desired d.c. signaloutput, a bus bar 212, electrolytic cell(s) 10, means of measuringoxygen 214 and hydrogen 216 pressure in conduits 218 and 220,respectively, valve means for controlling the flow of oxygen 222 andhydrogen 224, respectively, and a process/instrument controller 226 toensure desired operation of electrolytic cell(s) 10 with suitable plantshutdown alarms 228.

[0105]FIG. 6 also comprises a process flow diagram for the cell block ofFIG. 5. Upon plant start-up, rectifier 210 establishes a safe conditionby examining the status of plant alarm 228 with respect to pressure andlevel controls. If the alarm indicates a safe status, current andvoltage (power) are transmitted along cell bus bar 212 from rectifier210 to electrolytic cell 10. With the application of a suitablecurrent/voltage source, electrolysis takes place within electrolyticcell(s) 10 with the resultant decomposition of water into the productsof hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The oxygen gas is transported alongconduit 218 in which oxygen pressure means 214 monitors oxygen pressure,P_(o), at any time, and to control oxygen pressure via modulation ofback pressure valve 222. Similarly, the hydrogen gas is transportedalong conduit 220 in which means 216 monitors hydrogen pressure, P_(H),at any time, and to control hydrogen pressure via control valve 224. Inthe operation of electrolytic cell(s) 10, the anolyte level of the cellon the oxygen side, L_(o), and the catholyte level on the hydrogen side,L_(H), are detected via P/I controller 226 to provide a control signalto valve 224 to facilitate the supply of hydrogen and/or oxygen gas atsome desired pressure.

[0106] With reference now to FIG. 7 users 716 are defined as being atleast one geographic zone 718 within a building whose tenancy may beresidential, as in an apartment, semi-attached, detached dwelling, andthe like, or industrial/commercial, as in an office, plant, mall,factory, warehouse, and the like, and which defines a demand forhydrogen. Such user 716 may transmit its demand by (i) use of a creditcard, (ii) use of a smart card, or (iii) use of an electronic, electric,or wireless data transmission, to register a hydrogen demand to a zonecontroller 720 exemplifying zone data control and supply means.

[0107] Upon receipt of the demand, zone controller 720 determines thenature of the demand with respect to the quantity of hydrogen requested,the time to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under which to deliverthe hydrogen with respect to temperature, pressure, purity and the like,the end utilization purpose of the hydrogen, and the rate of delivery ofthe hydrogen requested. Such initial definition of this hydrogen demandmay be performed by a single or a plurality of zone controller(s) 720interconnected in a network configured as a “hub”, “star”, “ring” or“backbone” as exemplified in FIGS. 1A-1C, in such a way as to permitintercommunication between all controllers 720 to a unit controller 721exemplifying a building data and control supply means via bus 722.

[0108] Upon receipt of the demand by unit controller 721 from thenetwork of zone controllers 720, unit controller 721 determines theavailability of all energy resources 12 available to units 716 bypolling the status from a network controller 14 to which it isinterconnected with respect to the amount of energy available, thenature of the power available, the time availability of the energy, thetype of energy source available, the unit price per increment of energyand compares this to the energy required to generate the energy, thetype of energy source available, the unit price per increment of energyand compares this to the energy required to generate the hydrogendemanded by all units 716 and subsequent zones 718.

[0109] Upon receipt of the demand, network controller 14 furtherdetermines the status of all hydrogen producing sources 10 on thenetwork. Initial checks include the current status of the hydrogensource, percentage use of rated capacity, rated capacity to producehydrogen of a known quantity for a know amount of energy consumption andmonitoring of the process parameters for starting the hydrogenproduction source(s), process valves and electrical switch statusnetwork controller 14 then initiates the starting sequence for hydrogenproducing source(s) 10 to meet the demands of users 716 and subsequentzones 718 subject to the availability of energy resource(s) 12 at thelowest possible cost.

[0110] Network controller 14 secures a quantity of energy from energysource(s) 12 at the most preferred cost to user 718 and updates unitcontroller 721 and zone controller 720 to permit hydrogen to flowthrough conduits 724. Energy is then consumed from energy source 12 toproduce hydrogen via hydrogen production source(s) 10 for the generationof hydrogen and oxygen gases which are supplied to the users throughunits 716 and 718 zones.

[0111] Hydrogen flowing in conduit 724 to unit 716 is monitored by unitcontroller 721 which further controls the distribution of hydrogenwithin unit 716. Hydrogen may flow so as to enter storage unit 726 forlater use by a zone 718, and may flow along conduit 728 to a directconversion device 730 for conversion of hydrogen into electricity via afuel cell and the like (not shown) for a further central distributionwithin unit 716. It may further be converted into heat and/orelectricity by an indirect conversion device 732, such as a boiler,furnace, steam generator, turbine and the like for further centraldistribution within unit 716 and may be further passed along conduit 728directly to a zone 718.

[0112] Hydrogen flowing in conduit 728 to zone 718 is further monitoredby unit controller 721, zone controller 720 and zone controller 734along data bus 736 which further controls the distribution of hydrogenwithin zone 718. Hydrogen within the zone may flow so as to enter adirect 738 or indirect 740 conversion device within zone 718 forconversion into electricity or heat via a furnace, stove and the like(not shown).

[0113] In a further embodiment, network controller 722 selects aspecific type of energy source 12 to buy electricity which can betransmitted along conduits 742, 724, 726 so as to arrive directly atzone 718 where conversion into hydrogen occurs within the zone by meansof an electrolyser 744 for generation of hydrogen within the geographicdomains of zone 718 for use by direct 738 or indirect 740 conversiondevices as noted above, all under the direction of zone controller 720.

[0114] Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational parametersnoted above or in the quality/purity of the product gases, will resultin network controller 14, unit controller 721 and zone controller 720 toalter or intercept the operation of hydrogen source(s) 10 and 744, alongwith hydrogen conversion devices 730, 732, 738, 740 until an appropriatestatus has been reached. Controllers 14, 721 and 734 also can act tomodulate one or a plurality of hydrogen producing sources on the networkto meet the demands of users 716, 718 so as to successfully complete thehydrogen demand of users 716, 718 to provide the minimum quantity ofhydrogen at the minimum rate of delivery over the minimum amount of timeas specified at the minimum purity at the minimum cost to users 716,718, and optionally, schedules hydrogen demand.

[0115] Upon receiving notification from users 716, 718 that theirrequirements have been successfully met, controllers 14, 721 and 720instruct hydrogen producing sources 10, 744 to cease operation andinforms energy sources 12 of the revised change in energy demand and,optionally, schedules hydrogen demand.

[0116] Line 746 denotes the direct energy source for self-containedindividual zone electrolyser.

[0117] Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certainpreferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that theinvention is not restricted to those particular embodiments. Rather, theinvention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanicalequivalence of the specific embodiments and features that have beendescribed and illustrated.

1. An energy distribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a usercomprising (a) energy resource means; (b) hydrogen production means toreceive said energy from said energy resource means; (c) hydrogen fueluser means to receive hydrogen from said hydrogen production means; and(d) data collection, storage, control and supply means linked to saidenergy resource means, said hydrogen production means and said hydrogenfuel user means to determine, control and supply hydrogen from saidhydrogen production means.
 2. A network as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid energy resource means comprises electricity supply means.
 3. Anetwork as defined in claim 2 wherein said hydrogen production meanscomprises one or more water electrolysers.
 4. A network as defined inclaims 1 wherein said water electrolyser means comprises a plurality ofwater electrolysers.
 5. A network as defined in claim 4 wherein saidhydrogen fuel user means is connected to at least one of each of saidwater electrolysers.
 6. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein saiddata control and supply means is linked to said water electrolysermeans.
 7. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said data means islinked to said hydrogen fuel user means.
 8. A network as defined inclaim 1 wherein said data and information control is linked to theenergy resource means.
 9. A network as defined in claim 1 comprisingdata storage means.
 10. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein saiddata means comprises means for providing information data selected fromthe group consisting of the amount, time and duration of delivery ofsaid energy resource, and forecast to, and hydrogen production from,said hydrogen production means; hydrogen pressure of and rate of changethereof within said user storage means; and volume of user storagemeans.
 11. A network as defined in claim 3 wherein said data meanscomprises means for providing information selected from the groupconsisting of (a) the amount of hydrogen required from said electrolyserby said user; (b) time of delivery of electrical energy to saidelectrolyser means; (c) duration of period said energy is to bedelivered to said electrolyser means; (d) energy level to be sent tosaid electrolyser means; (e) hydrogen pressure of said user storagemeans; (f) rate of change in hydrogen pressure within said user storagemeans; (g) volume of user storage means; and (h) “real time” price ofelectricity and price forcast.
 12. A network as defined in claim 11wherein said information comprises: (i) rate of energy level or the typeof modulation of said energy resource means to said electrolyser means;and (ii) types of electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro,nuclear, solar and wind generated.
 13. A network as defined in claim 1comprising (i) an electrolytic cell for providing source hydrogen; (ii)a compression means for providing outlet hydrogen at an outlet pressure;(iii) means for feeding said source hydrogen to said compressor means;(iv) means for feeding said outlet hydrogen to said user; (v) controlmeans for activating said cell to provide said hydrogen source when saidoutlet pressure fall to a selected minimum value; and (vi) useractivation means for operably activating said control means.
 14. Anetwork as defined in claim 13 wherein said electrolytic cell comprisessaid compression means whereby said outlet hydrogen comprises sourcehydrogen and said step (iii) is constituted by said cell.
 15. A networkas defined in claim 13 wherein said electrolytic cell comprises ahydrogen fuel appliance apparatus wherein said means (iv) comprisesvehicle attachment means attachable to a vehicle to provide said outlethydrogen as fuel to said vehicle.
 16. A network as defined in claim 1further comprising energy generation means linked to said user storagemeans to provide energy from said stored hydrogen to said user.
 17. Anetwork as defined in claim 16 wherein said energy generation meanscomprises electricity generating means to generate electricity.
 18. Anetwork as defined in claim 17 wherein said network comprises electricalconduits of a local area, wide area or national area electricitydistribution network.
 19. A network as defined in claim 16 wherein saidenergy generation means comprises hydrogen combustion means forproviding thermal energy.
 20. A network as defined in claim 16 whereinsaid user is an internal combustion engine for a vehicle.
 21. A networkas defined in claim 16 wherein said user is an electricity generatingfuel cell.
 22. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydrogenfuel user means comprises a plurality of geographic zones located withinor associated with at least one building structure selected from thegroup consisting of an office, plant, factory, warehouse, shopping mall,apartment, and linked, semi-linked or detached residential dwellingwherein at least one of said geographic zones has zone data control andsupply means linked to said data collection, storage, control and supplymeans as defined in claim 1(d) to said geographic zones.
 23. A networkas defined in claim 22 wherein each of at least two of said geographiczones has zone data control and supply means, and a building datacontrol and supply means linked to (i) said data collection, storage,control and supply means, and (ii) each of at least two of saidgeographic zone data control and supply means in an interconnectednetwork, to determine, control and supply hydrogen from said hydrogenproduction means to said geographic zones.
 24. A network as defined inclaim 22 wherein said geographic zones further comprise a hydrogenconversion or generation apparatus selected from the group consisting ofa fuel cell, boiler, furnace, steam generator, turbine/motor generator,catalytic converter and a hydrogen generating electrolytic cell; andstorage facility.